Evaluation of the University of Florida training program in alternative energy technology

Evaluation covers the period 9/79-8/81 and is based on document review and interviews with TAET Program staff and trainees. In general, the TAET Program serves its stated purpose; operates within A.I.D. guidelines; and is well received by students. Several problems are apparent, however. The overall curriculum provides insufficient exposure to non-solar technologies, overall applications analysis (including socioeconomic evaluations), and to the status of technology (including commercial availability of systems, components, and special materials); and its bias toward small-scale rural applications prevents adequate coverage of issues significantly affecting DC energy balance. In addition, the faculty lacks the background to cover material outside the area of solar-thermal technology and the guest lecturers do not compensate for staff weaknesses. Handouts are poorly organized and do not cover all material available and relevant to DC problems. Administrative lines are not clearly defined, resulting in an excess of administrative staff. Finally, UAF and A.I.D. do not seem to agree fully on the Program"s goals and objectives. It is thus recommended that the Program aim to: (1) teach technically-oriented DC participants to analyze and implement applicable technology options; (2) provide participants with current information on technology in the United States and elsewhere and identify sources of goods and services to assist DC in energy technology; (3) teach participants to evaluate the technical performance of both large and small systems important to DC"s; and (4) outline methodologies for assessing the overall national systems of renewable energy as a basis for decisions on allocating manpower and financial resources. The last of these, now wholly neglected in the TAET Program, may be the most important in furthering A.I.D."s policy of promoting energy self-sufficiency in DC"s. Recommendations are also made to redress the other problems noted above. Finally, it is recommended that the UAF Advisory Committee play a more active role in the overall running of the TAET Program.